I've recently switched over to using a bottomless portafilter all the time and I've discovered that I have a grind or tamping problem to solve. I think I also have a temperature problem and am contemplating adjusting the pstat.

or maybe it's just dosing and/or distribution you need to work on...most would say start with distribution (as long as your dose is about right and the shot timing is in desired range). Remember that tamping should always be done at a consistent pressure with the tamper level, other than that, there's not much else to do to "fix" your tamp - unless your tamper is the wrong size for your basket(s).

.Always remember the most important thing is what ends up in your cup!

So i still havn't descaled yet as the instructions are a bit confusing, i emailed them and they called left a message and someone deleted it before i could listen to it, but its kind of annoying they always want to talk over the phone rather than just email me back. Anyways hoping someone here who has done it before can help me out in regards to following the instructions they offer in the newsletter.

Why does it say "tools to remove body panels to access water refill probe for boiler" but in the instructions it never mentions anything else about this, what am i supposed to do? So if there's something like that left out is there anything else left out that they just assume people will know?

The instructions state Full operating temp = when pressure needle stops moving?

Step 9 says stop when container is filled or when hot water stops coming out, but thats confusing because it doesn't say what size container, and shouldn't hot water always be coming out? So in otherwords the amount could vary alot which could leave very little for the next step involving the grouphead. Also i take it this is a harsh chemical is a plastic pitcher ok?

i notice the steam wand isn't included does that not need descaling?

Also am i supposed to take off the shower screen when doing this, and how often should i be taking it off for cleaning in general, and thats just a screw i think to get it off?

Sorry for all the questions just want to make sure i get it right the first time and don't get stuck midway through or mess something up

So i still havn't descaled yet as the instructions are a bit confusing, i emailed them and they called left a message and someone deleted it before i could listen to it, but its kind of annoying they always want to talk over the phone rather than just email me back. Anyways hoping someone here who has done it before can help me out in regards to following the instructions they offer in the newsletter.

Why does it say "tools to remove body panels to access water refill probe for boiler" but in the instructions it never mentions anything else about this, what am i supposed to do? So if there's something like that left out is there anything else left out that they just assume people will know?

The instructions state Full operating temp = when pressure needle stops moving?

Step 9 says stop when container is filled or when hot water stops coming out, but thats confusing because it doesn't say what size container, and shouldn't hot water always be coming out? So in otherwords the amount could vary alot which could leave very little for the next step involving the grouphead. Also i take it this is a harsh chemical is a plastic pitcher ok?

i notice the steam wand isn't included does that not need descaling?

Also am i supposed to take off the shower screen when doing this, and how often should i be taking it off for cleaning in general, and thats just a screw i think to get it off?

Sorry for all the questions just want to make sure i get it right the first time and don't get stuck midway through or mess something up

I'm finally getting comfortable with my Cuadra and I think I'm making decent shots and oxygenated milk. It was good in the beginning but now it's better. Making decent espresso and frothed milk takes practice. I've stuck with the plugged two hole method for the steam wand and I have been making really decent micro foam. I hope all is well in the Cuadra/espresso world. Thanks for all the pointers and tips, keep them coming if you have them.

I've been using the bottomless portafilter exclusively for the past month and have tried everything to get rid of spraying. I'm starting to wonder if it might be the basket itself that is causing the problems. Is that even possible? The only other thing that I want to try is lowering the pressure setting on my machine but I don't know how to do that.

Let us know the result. I would the think the tamper the more likely culprit than the actual basket. I never used the plastic one that came with the machine, so I don't know how well it fit the basket. Did you order a flat bottom or curved?

Am shopping for a sub-$1500 pro-sumer espresso machine and came across 1st-Line deal on La Nuova Era Cuadra II at $1095.00 whereas other sites selling it for $1500 - seems too good to be true; my questions:1) how is it that these can be offered as such a discount, even if they are intro prices..are they refurbs/modified?2) Has anyone purchased Cuadra from them and how is it going? 3)Am also concerned that this brand is not as well-established and may not have the parts/service support that other well-established brands may have. Perhaps my concerns are unfounded, any advice would be appreciated. 4) Finally, for those who have a Cuadra, any regrets? What model were you considering before purchasing Cuadra and why?Thanks much!

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